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Hosted by the Vista del Lago PTSA, Talon Club and The College Planning Center . © The College Planning Center 2010. In the perfect world…. All students would enter their senior year in high school… College Major Carefully Chosen A Realistic College List in Place
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Hosted by the Vista del Lago PTSA, Talon Club and The College Planning Center. © The College Planning Center 2010
In the perfect world… • All students would enter their senior year in high school… • College Major Carefully Chosen • A Realistic College List in Place • Campus Visits Completed • Application Essays Finished • Letters of Recommendation Requested • SAT/ACT Tests taken and sent to schools • College Funding Available © The College Planning Center 2010
Applications What are College Admissions offices looking for? • Strong Grades and High Standardized Test Scores • Passion: Colleges are looking to create a well rounded student body, made up of a variety of students that have shown a commitment to their passion. • Intellectual curiosity: Admissions offices look for activities and classes that portray the quest for learning.How do you demonstrate that you have this highly regarded quality? • Demonstrated Interest: Admissions offices look for a “demonstrated interest” – campus visits, calls, early applications! Not all colleges are highly selective. There are good colleges out there for “B” and “C” students! © The College Planning Center 2010
Applications Before you start. • Be sure your classes fulfill the minimum requirements • Carefully select a major • Keep in mind your interests, personality, skills, and values • Consider Career Exploration • Develop your College List • Based on your personal preferences or criteria • Be sure it is balanced for various degrees of selectivity Application fees can run $50 - $60 per school © The College Planning Center 2010
Applications Where do I find them? • California State University • www.csumentor.com • University of California • www.universityofcalifornia.edu • Common Application • www.commonapp.org • Universal College Application • www.universalcollegeapp.com • Proprietary Applications • college websites • California Community College • www.losrios.edu Look for supplements to the core application that the school or department may require. © The College Planning Center 2010
Application When can I start? • California State University applications : begin accepting applications Oct. 1st. Be early! • University of California: November 1st – November 30th. Don’t procrastinate – the computers will be bogged down the last week of November • Private Schools: check the website at each school. Keep copies of anything you mail and send them with a Certificate of Mailing. Print out confirmations for online applications. © The College Planning Center 2010
Applications Timing is important. Be aware of admissions types. • Early Decision, Early Action • Advantages to “Early” applications • Increased odds of acceptance • Early notification of admissions decision • Disadvantages to “Early” applications • Your acceptance may be “binding”, be aware of your obligations • Financial Aid package may not be as advantageous • Rolling Admissions • You can apply anytime throughout the year and receive a decision back quickly It’s not about getting into the best college. It's about getting into the best college for you. © The College Planning Center 2010
Applications Standardized Tests – SAT vs. ACT Most schools will accept the SAT and ACT! SAT : Measures reasoning & critical thinking ACT: Content based • The optional Writing section is often required • UC system and some private schools require 2 SAT Subject Tests • You can take up to 3 Subject Tests on a test date • New SAT “Score Choice” gives you the option of choosing which SAT test to send to your schools. • Check with the colleges on your list, most will accept SAT/ACT scores up until the December test 050940 FHS CEEB 3594 CSU code © The College Planning Center 2010
Applications Steps to writing your essay Develop your Key Message Statement: After reviewing your application, and reading your essays, the Admissions Officer says, “WOW! This student sure is ______________! Brainstorm! List any events, influential people, or career aspirations that support your Key Message Statement. Write your first draft. Take special care in crafting your opening sentence. Be specific. Refine your essay. Check for spelling and grammar. Read it aloud to make sure it flows. Ask a couple of people to read it to see if they can guess your Key Message Statement. Be real. © The College Planning Center 2010
Applications Don’t forget! • Letters of Recommendation • VDL packet on school website in Counselor Center (10 page form) • Read the instructions carefully! • Allow 3-4 weeks or more for teachers and counselors to complete Letters of Recommendation • Transcript requests go through the counseling office. Watch your deadlines and plan ahead! © The College Planning Center 2010
Applications Student Athletes : Supplement Athletes -Next Steps NCAA Registration • www.ncaaclearinghouse.net Transcript Release Form signed and turned into the high school registrar • OFFICIAL transcripts should be sent to Clearance Center at the end of junior year • Check Academic Requirements • Athletic / Academic Resume • Coach Contacts • Highlights DVD BE SEEN. © The College Planning Center 2010
Applications Artists, Musicians and Drama Students: Supplement Musicians / Drama Students / Artists • Check college websites for audition or portfolio review requirements • www.portfolioday.net • Contact directors or department representatives to demonstrate your interest • Rehearse Interviews • Highlights CD/DVD You need to market yourself. © The College Planning Center 2010
Applications Deadlines: Things to remember • Universal acceptance date: Notification from colleges by April 1st • Students have until May 1st to communicate decision • Start your scholarship search now! • Take AP tests, passing these can equate to savings in college • If applying for federal financial aid, apply the first week in January. (www.FAFSA .ed.gov) Beware of Senioritis, college acceptances are conditional upon maintaining your academic performance senior year. © The College Planning Center 2010
The College Planning Center1710 Prairie City Road, Suite 125Folsom(916) 985-0453www.TheCollegePlanningCenter.comInfo@TheCollegePlanningCenter.comsign up for your complimentary parent/student session tonight. QUESTIONS?
Seniors: Thursday, September 9th, 2010 Student Athletes: Tuesday, October 5th, 2010 Juniors: Thursday, October 21st, 2010 Freshman & Sophomores: Thursday, November 4th, 2010 Thank you for attending. © The College Planning Center 2010